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How to Say "i utilized" in Spanish

English → Spanish

usé

VerbA1formal
Use 'usé' when referring to a specific, completed instance of utilizing something in the past.

Examples

Yo usé tu bolígrafo sin preguntar, lo siento.

I used your pen without asking, I'm sorry.

usaba

oo-SAH-bah/uˈsaβa/

VerbA1formal
Use 'usaba' when describing a habitual or ongoing action of utilizing something in the past, often translated as 'used to use'.
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Examples

Yo usaba esa bicicleta todos los días para ir al trabajo.

I used to use that bicycle every day to go to work.

Ella usaba una computadora muy vieja cuando la conocí.

She was using a very old computer when I met her.

Usted usaba el cajón de la izquierda para guardar los documentos.

You (formal) used the left drawer to keep the documents.

The Imperfect (Habitual Past)

"Usaba" is the imperfect past tense. It tells you about actions that happened repeatedly or continuously in the past, like a habit or a background setting.

Who is 'Usaba'?

This single form, 'usaba,' can mean 'I used to use' (yo), 'he used to use' (él), 'she used to use' (ella), or 'you formal used to use' (usted). Context is key to knowing who is doing the action!

Imperfect vs. Preterite

Mistake:When talking about a single, completed action in the past, learners sometimes say 'Yo usaba el coche ayer.'

Correction: Use the preterite: 'Yo usé el coche ayer' (I used the car yesterday). 'Usaba' is for habits or descriptions, not single events.

Completed vs. Habitual Past Actions

Learners often confuse 'usé' and 'usaba' by not distinguishing between a single, finished action and a repeated or ongoing action in the past. Remember that 'usé' is for one-time events, while 'usaba' implies something done regularly or over a period.

Related Translations

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